In Bangladesh, which is grappling with political instability, fear of a new virus is also spreading. Scientists have identified a new virus that is proving to be as deadly as the Nipah virus. Initially, it was thought to be part of the Nipah infection. New research has revealed that it is actually 'Pteropine orthoreovirus' (PRV). This pathogen has spread from bats to humans and has now become more dangerous than ever before. People who consume raw date palm sap are falling victim to it. This has increased concerns in the medical community.

Is this new virus more dangerous than Nipah?
Between December 2022 and March 2023, five patients were admitted to hospitals in Bangladesh. All of them exhibited severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, severe headache, and fatigue. The patients also showed signs of excessive salivation and nervous system dysfunction. All of these patients had consumed raw date palm sap, a beverage that bats are also fond of. However, when these patients were tested for Nipah, the reports came back negative.  Following this, scientists began a thorough investigation and discovered this new virus.

Even after being discharged from the hospital, the patients' difficulties did not subside. Three patients complained of persistent fatigue, difficulty breathing, and difficulty walking. In 2024, one of these patients died. His mental condition was continuously deteriorating, and doctors were unable to understand the cause. Researchers say that this virus was also found in Malaysia and Vietnam. There, the symptoms were quite mild, but in Bangladesh, they have become very aggressive. It is directly attacking the lungs and brain.

Increased threat due to virus mutation?
Scientists suspect that this virus has altered its genetic structure. This change has increased both its transmissibility and lethality. A similar virus has also been found in bats caught near the Padma River.
Scientists believe that this virus is no longer just a mild infection but has become deadly. Dr. Nishchay Mishra said that simply avoiding Nipah is no longer enough. The list of dangers associated with drinking raw date palm sap has now become even longer.

How to protect yourself from this deadly infection?
This news is nothing short of a major alert for people living around the Padma River basin. Scientists have advised against taking any respiratory illness lightly. Now, it has become necessary to test for the ‘PRV’ virus along with Nipah during medical examinations. Drinking date palm sap without boiling it can be fatal. Avoiding any food item that has come into contact with bats is the only way to stay safe. Efforts to prevent the spread of this virus have been intensified through surveillance programs.

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